UNDP Administrator statement on the earthquake in Haiti

Jan 13, 2010

All of us at UNDP are deeply saddened by the destruction and loss of life caused by the devastating earthquake which hit Haiti yesterday afternoon. The full extent of the casualties and damage is still unknown, but reports indicate they will likely be high.

This is a humanitarian emergency which requires an internationally co-ordinated relief effort. As a first step, the UN system is mobilizing an emergency response team to help co-ordinate humanitarian relief efforts, and we expect them to be on the ground shortly. Despite the damages to our operational capability in Haiti, UNDP stands ready to provide to assistance to the Haitian people as they embark on the long road to recovery from this disaster.

Our hearts goes out to the Haitian people and all the families that were impacted by this tragedy.